Adelaide Crows V GWS Giants

What better way to kick off the finals series! Two of the most exciting and high scoring teams will battle for the opportunity to host the all-important Preliminary Final.

Having claimed the minor Premiership, the Crows will be hard to beat at home. Their last match against the Giants was one to savour for the home side who romped home by 56 points in Round 1. The Giants have since rectified their embarrassing opening to the season with a few decent performances but are yet to put the league on notice. Much of Adelaide’s success has been a result of their midfield and their impressive contested ball use. The Crows were ranked first in contested possessions and second in contested marks throughout the season.

Adelaide’s forward depth is almost as impressive as their midfield with the much of the pressure having eased off Taylor Walker through the emergence of Jenkins and McGovern. The Giants meanwhile continued to improve on their midfield, being ranked among the best stoppage and centre clearance teams.

GWS will have to depend more on their midfielders to transition the play as it is expected Heath Shaw will not be granted his usual freedom. He will no doubt have his hands full with the likes of Eddie Betts and Charlie Cameron.

Injury concerns currently cloud over Rory Sloane who was sidelined with appendicitis. The Crows will give Sloane until the very last minute to prove his fitness. Whether Leon Cameron decides to play Steve Johnson will also be interesting. While his experience is invaluable the question is posed as to whether the games speed has surpassed him.

Expect a high-scoring contest which could see this match go down to the wire.